Objective Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is the most widely used spectroscopic tool in the physical sciences. Techniques are now available that provide experimental access to hyperpolarized molecules, in which NMR signals are enhanced by up to 5 orders of magnitude, with potentially revolutionary implications. However, the lifetime of the hyperpolarized state is usually limited by the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time, called T1, and which is typically in the range of a few seconds to about 1 minute. The range of applications accessible to hyperpolarized NMR is restricted by the need to use the hyperpolarized substance within this short timescale. In this proposal, we aim to extend the lifetime of hyperpolarized substances by exploiting a phenomenon first described in our laboratory - namely the exceptional lifetime of nuclear singlet states. These are quantum superposition states of nuclear spin pairs which are protected against many common relaxation mechanisms, with experimentally demonstrated lifetimes of up to 25 minutes. We will (i) identify, design and synthesize substances that support nuclear spin states with especially long lifetimes; (ii) design and demonstrate methodology for hyperpolarizing long-lived nuclear singlet states; (iii) perform test-of-principle experiments showing enhanced NMR imaging of flow and diffusion using hyperpolarized nuclear singlet states, in contexts emulating those found in clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (iv) design and demonstrate experiments and molecular systems that allow the hyperpolarized singlet order to be transformed into magnetization of strongly magnetic nuclei such as protons, with benefits to the signal strength and to the spatial resolution. In summary we will bridge the gap between the high promise of long-lived nuclear singlet states and the world of real applications, with an emphasis on demonstrating the feasibility of real-world in vivo NMR and MRI applications. Fields of science engineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imagingnatural sciencesphysical sciences Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-PE4 - ERC Advanced Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences Call for proposal ERC-2011-ADG_20110209 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Address Highfield SO17 1BJ Southampton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Malcolm Levitt (Prof.) Administrative Contact Judith Walker (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom EU contribution € 2 877 583,00 Address Highfield SO17 1BJ Southampton See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Malcolm Levitt (Prof.) Administrative Contact Judith Walker (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
